Description

Abraham Lincoln Mirror Frame , 13.0" x 16.5. This simple
pine frame with mahogany veneer was reputedly repaired by Lincoln
himself as it hung in his Springfield, Illinois home during the
1850's. The frame's upper left corner and left sides, indeed, have
small spliced sections. Although a Lincoln provenance cannot be
proven, this lot includes seven pieces of documentation regarding
the frame's origin. Among the papers relating to the frame is one
written by noted Lincoln historian and collector, Lloyd Ostendorf.
It reads partially, ...I am interested in the Lincoln mirror
frame...I am interested in knowing what one would offer for such a
mirror...there is no real provenance back to Lincoln...let me know
if you could work out a partial trade deal on the frame...".
Ostendorf, while not admitting to the frame's legitimacy as a
Lincoln relic, obviously had enough faith in it to prepare an
offer. The frame has four missing sections of veneer, totaling
approximately 8" of length. The remaining veneer has crazed
surfaces with some staining from dampness. The present mirror is
not original to the piece. Very Good condition overall.